Detroiters are the primary key in the turnaround of Detroit. The first step “forward” is lifting the fog of denial that still somehow hangs over some of its citizenry. It’s beyond bizarre that a city that loses a resident every 20 minutes and is conservatively estimated at $15 billion dollars in debt talks about “major assets,” or that it can reject out of hand the possibility that leadership can come from beyond its geographical boundaries.

If it fails to look past this kind of mind-set and rhetoric in this critical election ahead, forward is the least likely direction it’ll move.

Waymond Hicks

via Facebook

Orr is on our side when it comes to saving city

On Kevyn Orr’s report on Detroit’s finances: Let’s see and hear the hard truth on the city’s finances and get on with the business of how to solve the problems and get Detroit back on the road to financial solvency.

What reason would Orr have not to be frank and open? This is a life and death situation for Detroit, and Orr was brought in to save Detroit, not expedite its demise.

Thomas A. Wilson Jr.

Detroit

Bing won't run again, eyes county exec job

Dave Bing is, it appears, a nice man, and he was one helluva basketball player. However, by numerous accounts, he is a lousy leader. He does not have the acumen nor the charisma to lead any major municipality, let alone one with the monumental challenges that Detroit faces. I thought he lent some dignity to the mayoral position in Kwame’s turbulent wake, but dignity ain’t enough.

Christopher J. Robbins

via Facebook

If he runs against (Wayne County Executive Robert) Ficano ... he has my vote PERIOD!

Tiffany Shaw

via Facebook

He restored trust and dignity to the office.

Irene Z. Will

via Facebook

If Bing can’t run the city, how in the heck does he think he can run the county? It’s going to take more than integrity to run Wayne County.

Carol Reed-Johnson

via Facebook

Good move by a good man. At his age, he doesn’t need the aggravation.

Tom Lee

via Facebook

Will City of Detroit file for bankruptcy?

The Free Press says that a Chapter 9 filing by Detroit “would have an effect on neighboring communities’ ability to affordably borrow money.” Is there any evidence, or is this another myth perpetuated by Wall Street? Municipal bankruptcies in California and Rhode Island have been going on long enough to test this idea, but the cost of borrowing of other cities in those states does not appear to have been affected. The relief only a bankruptcy judge can provide is exactly what we need — now.

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Ken Schneider

Detroit

Bankruptcy appears to be the best solution for the majority of taxpayers. Otherwise, we will continue to spend our federal and state tax dollars on a city government incapable of managing itself.

Dale A. Duncan

via Facebook

Report on city finances paints grim picture

The report on the actual financial condition of Detroit is, frankly, long overdue. Too much rhetoric has been given by many, but not enough realize the stark situation the city faces. Many have sat and continue to sit on the sidelines and criticize Gov. Rick Snyder and now emergency manager Kevyn Orr, but the question is why?

It is similar to being an alcoholic: First, you must admit to the extent of the problem, fully commit to fixing the problem, and then execute fully a plan. For the sake of Detroit, and the only chance to try and revitalize this city, we must give Orr the full support he deserves and requires.

And to those who will argue that you need a voice by those elected officials, just ask how much of the problem — or the lack of a fix — is on their shoulders?